Thursday, 16 July 2009

Inspired by a chosen artist, everyone made pieces of machine stitched water-soluble 'solufleece'. This was then genlty sponged onto a 3 D shape such as a bottle, head or shoe form to dry into a stiff shape. The Summer School finished with a show of these pieces along with the named badges everyone had stitched on the first evening - also inspired by the same artist.

Betty and Avis in photo below, Helen and Karen below that and Julie, Alison and Meg in the bottom photo.

Monday, 13 July 2009

It was a pleasant ninety minute queue in the sunshine outside Bristol Museum to see the Banksy exhibition after spotting an original on a wall down the road. Banksy was asked to respond to exhibits within the museum. It was a fabulous exhibition. As well as the main foyer and rooms specifically to show his new work/installations, we were encouraged to 'spot the Banksy' amoungst the other galleries showing collections of ceramics, silverware, rocks and minerals, Egypt, dinasaurs etc. It was great fun. here are a few of my favourite ones that are 'printable! The leopard in the cage was a fur coat, whose belt 'twitched'.

I hope you like this quote which Kathy Johnson puts at the bottom of her emails. Thank you Kathryn for your message left here, but I couldn't find a way of replying to it other than saying here that I hope all goes peacefully for you.

Today is the funeral of my friend Jenny who died last week at 55 just before her youngest son's 18th birthday. Jenny was a gentle soul who grew native species trees and shrubs in her small nursery around her cottage, just along the narrow lane from me. She also had a strength and determination to fight injustice. She encouraged a group of us neighbours to protest about the expansion of a nearby quarry which is eating away at a small wooded hill on the outskirts of Cannington; the site of an historical iron-age fort as well as a local beauty spot. Jenny organised us, wrote letters and walked experts from English Heritage around the hill. The battle is not won as too many motorways and runways call for the limestone from this hill. I expect the whole village will be at the church.

Friday, 10 July 2009

The whole class of 2009, wave from the steps outside the dining room at Urchfont Manor. Everyone looks very happy at the end of a very successful Summer School. Who is that person wearing those very loud patterned trousers in the front? Surely it can't be your tutor!

A huge thank you to all the staff at Urchfont who provided us with such cheerful and helpful hospitality and meals that seemed more delicious than ever.